RT Journal
A1 Rifkin W, Askren-Gonzalez A
T1 EVidence-based guidelines can improve quality of care and reduce costs
JF Archives of Internal Medicine
JO Archives of Internal Medicine
YR 2010
FD July 12
VO 170
IS 13
SP 1173
OP 1173
DO 10.1001/archinternmed.2010.209
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archinternmed.2010.209
AB 
The literature describes the use of clinical care guidelines as a means to achieve safe and efficient care. Looking specifically at pneumonia, studies have found that implementation of and care concordant with care guidelines is associated with reduced length of stay, lower costs, and most importantly, improved clinical outcomes including reduced mortality.2- 5 One of these studies found that case management combined with guideline-based care was associated with further reductions in length of stay and improved markers of quality of care such as administration of recommended vaccinations.5